The National President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Comrade Ambali Akeem Olatunji has reaffirmed the leadership of Adigwe Chikwelu, as the authentic Anambra Chairman of NULGE.
This is following the leadership crisis going on at the Anambra State branch recently.
Comr Olatunji, made the remark during a press conference in Awka, on Tuesday, where he equally called on any aggrieved member to follow follow due constitutional order of going for election instead of taking the leadership in a factional manner.
The NULGE President however noted that Comrade Chikwelu, remains the only Chairman formally elected under the Constitution of the Labour Union, to pilot the affairs of the state.
“For some time now, we have watched the ugly situation going on in Anambra, where by some illegal group, dissidents parading themselves as substantial leaders of the Union in the State without the approval or consent of the National leadership”.
“The National leadership under my watch frown on that illegality going on in the State. The illegal group are causing commotion and division among members of the Union across the 21 Local Government Area of the State”.
“I am here in Awka, to let Governor Soludo and the State Local Government Service Commission know that NULGE under my watch have been dully registered and certified by the law of the federal republic of Nigeria with our National Headquarters at No 26, Ajose-Adegun Street Abuja and that we have only one leadership headed by Chikwelu in the Anambra State. So, Comrade Chikwelu is the only person the Union know”.
“I plead with all those who are angry or want to lead the union to go and pick forms, follow due process as written in the Constitution to ensure things are done the right way. I have also directed that the state asmin Council to commence preparation for election which will be done on or before 21days of publication”.
The existing caretaker and excos will expire on or before 21 days of this publication and which election should be conducted and the winner sworn in after that State delegate conference will commence. I have also given directives that all contestants be given equal opportunity an the forms be given free so that nobody will complian”.
The NULGE boss however lauded the efforts of Governor Soludo for his continued solidarity and support to the members of NULGE in the State.
Speaking, NULGE State Chairman, Comrade Adigwe commending the National President for the visit, assure that he will keep doing his best to maintain peace and deliver in his mandate.
News Echo gathered that eleven members of the Union were arraigned before the Magistrate Court sitting in Awka, last month on a 6-count charge by the Anambra State Police in a matter between them and the Commissioner of Police in the state
They are being accused of conspiring to commit a felony, forgery, malicious damage of NULGE property, and placing the Union Chairman in fear of physical injury and anxiety of being trailed by unknown gunmen.
Among the accused persons are Chidi Orakwue, Alagwu Odife, Ezeibe Kenechi Mark, Nzekwe Chidi, Ifeanyi Nworah, and Okam K. Ifeanyi
Others are Victormary Anuna, Okaka Chukwunonso, Nwalutu Patrick, Igbokwe Ugochukwu, and Nwankwo Onyebuchi.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all 11 Police charges.
The defendants were granted bail with varying conditions including providing a surety, depositing N50,000, 2 passport photographs, and affidavits, among others.
